11 March – 4 June 2017

Philanthropists and collections explores the philanthropic impulse, and considers how patronage has helped shape the UQ Art Collection. A selective survey of the giving that has bolstered our holdings, it brings together a representative group of artworks that have been generously donated by organisations such as the Alumni Friends of The University of Queensland Inc. and altruistic individuals.

The exhibition provides us with an opportunity to thank all our donors and to reflect on the act of collecting. What leads someone to donate artworks, and how do these gifts influence the development of a collection? How does patronage contribute to the cultural heritage of an institution, and do objects ‘live’ differently in an art museum?

Curator: Samantha Littley

Opening

Podcast:

In Conversation: Art and Philanthropy Join a panel of experts, including Dr Georgina Walker, Michael Rayner AM and Simon Wright as they discuss art and philanthropy in the context of the exhibition. Chaired by exhibition curator Samantha Littley’s work. Listen here.

Media

Elaine Haxton 1909–1999Flower Bridge at Kwei-Lin 1956
pen and brush and ink, with ink wash, gouache and pastel with scratching back on paper
image/sheet 46.0 x 54.5 cm
Collection of The University of Queensland. Gift of Dr James Taylor Duhig through the Alumni Association, 1976.
Reproduced courtesy of the artist’s estate.